Hi there, what do you think about experiencing with local people when you are travelling, as I know if we travel by an organized tour, we never have a less chance to experience the lifestyle of local people, so which one you prefer, travel by yourself or tours. For me I would like to experience the lifestyle of local people, to meet them and learn more about them as their cultures.

Did it ever occur to you that the "local people" might not want to meet you?

No, but i mean i look for more experience with local style which you never gain if you travel by tour, for example : stay with them, working in farm, I did not say that I never meet any local people

The first answer made me laugh so much hahaha. I think it's good if we can travel independently, we will have more chance to see amazing things and contact to local people as enjoy their lifestyle

by the way, maybe u can search for websites about travel to look for local and experience their life, it's pretty easy

I think worldinpocket was said right one. can use search engines to know about locals its was easy

Welcome, lonely.

Being realistic, unless you are young, attractive and unattached, you are not likely to get close to locals, but I agree that tours insulate travellers from their surroundings. I would only take a tour that got me into places I could not go on my own.

It is unlikely you will meet locals whether you are on an organized tour or traveling independently. Start out with you probably don't speak their language. If you are fluent, then you might have a better chance. But still you have to realize "locals" aren't just hanging around waiting to get to know "tourists". I mean think about this in your own home town. Would you likely find yourself chatting with strangers/visitors?

On a more positive note, the places I *have* at least been with locals (if not technically "meeting" them) were at public events.

Keep your eyes open for things like: school pagents, book readings, art gallery openings, fireman's fundraising BBQ, parades or pagents, open air street markets, etc. You can find calendars of events on the internet for where you are going to plan around these possibilities. Or check at local tourist bureau after you arrive.

The only way I have managed to meet 'locals' is by going to stay with a friend in the area. The friend has taken me to various events and parties where I have met local people. I would say it's impossible if you don't have an introduction somehow.

yea, i think so too, anyway, thanks for your guides

Unless you are unapproachable or it's pretty easy to make friend with local i think, it's not difficult as you thought. Normally people they are all very friendly to foreign traveler, so there is no reasons that u cannot make friend with them

Since this is a travel forum, I suspect most people here are more intersted in independent travel than tours. I do like taking short guided tours - usually biking or walking tours that last half a day or so, maybe a day tour to go see something specific.

Travel independently is the best way to experience the lifestyle with local, i always do it by myself, moreever, it's also good for people who want to travel with low budget.

My personal experience is the same as Gertie's. The only place I've met locals is when I stay with my friends who live in Switzerland.

There are always beer gardens in Munich for meeting the locals I have had some of my best conversations with people in beer gardens.

Yes it is, there are some beer gardens in Munich where you can meet local and gossip with them, that is a very nice place to hang out, i have been there one or wtice. Germany is nice

I just found the new website where u can look for local people and stay with them www.staydu.com

Walk around the place, and start a conversation with them. Then ask them to recommend you places to go. And tell them you want the places that locals go to. Not the usual touristy spots.

Depending on where you're traveling, some might invite to show you around. Or invite you to their house for a meal, and so on...